In this episode of Connect Into, Pantokrator’s Andre Shortell and Louis Barrowcliff speak with Alberto Méndez, CEO of Plexigrid, about how distribution grids are being digitally reinvented to support the energy transition.
Alberto shares how Plexigrid’s software platform helps grid operators unlock visibility at the low-voltage level, optimise planning through advanced analytics, and actively manage flexibility - turning distribution networks into dynamic, intelligent systems.
Listen to hear them explore the limitations of traditional grid design, the growing challenge of integrating distributed energy resources (DERs), and how digital twins and real-time data can unlock capacity without costly infrastructure upgrades.
Topics include:
Why electrification is pushing distribution grids beyond their original design
How Plexigrid’s digital twin provides predictive, real-time control for DSOs
Enabling visibility and optimisation at the grid edge - from EVs to rooftop solar
The role of analytics in managing bottlenecks, voltage violations, and reverse flows
How DSOs can double capacity using software instead of new wires
What regulation and market design need to catch up on
With projects across Europe and a focus on low-voltage innovation, Plexigrid is building the digital foundation for a more flexible, resilient, and sustainable grid.
Thanks again, Alberto!
In this episode of Connect Into, Pantokrator’s Andre Shortell and Alex Moody speak with James Larsen, CEO of e-Zinc, about building a new category of long duration energy storage focused on resilience, affordability, and sustainability.
James shares how e-Zinc’s zinc-based technology was born from an electrochemistry breakthrough—and why zinc’s low cost, safety profile, and supply chain stability make it an ideal material for 24-hour+ applications. The conversation unpacks how e-Zinc is replacing diesel generators with non-flammable storage systems, decoupling power and energy to drive down cost, and scaling through a combination of deep partnerships and strategic manufacturing.
We also discuss:
With zinc as its foundation and a clear go-to-market strategy, e-Zinc is aiming to become a storage incumbent for the next phase of the energy transition.
Thanks again, James!
In this episode of Connect Into, Pantokrator’s Andre Shortell and Louis Barrowcliff speak with Juergen Mayerhofer, CEO and co-founder of enspired, about how the company is using automation and AI to transform short-term power markets and unlock grid flexibility.
They discuss enspired’s journey from early trading automation for utilities to building a platform that optimises grid-scale batteries in real time. Juergen explains how their technology stack enables millisecond-level trading decisions, the role of forecasting and AI in managing assets across different markets, and the challenges of expanding into new geographies with varying market rules.
We also explore:
With operations in eight markets and a technology-first approach, enspired is helping build the intelligence layer needed for a more flexible, decarbonised grid.
Thanks again, Juergen!
In this episode, Pantokrator’s Andre Shortell and Victor Ghitescu speak with Valerie Dejaeghere, CEO of Qpinch, about how the company’s patented chemical heat transformer is helping industrial sectors decarbonise heat at scale.
They explore how Qpinch’s technology uses a closed-loop phosphoric acid process to convert low-grade waste heat into valuable process heat with minimal electricity, enabling payback periods as short as three years. Valerie explains why this solution is especially suited to refining, petrochemicals, and carbon capture, and how partnering with Honeywell is accelerating scale and standardisation.
We also discuss:
• The role of industrial heat in global emissions, and why it’s often overlooked
• How Qpinch’s system achieves temperatures up to 210°C with very low OPEX
• The move toward service models to remove CapEx barriers for customers
• The challenges of scaling first-of-a-kind technology in conservative industries
• The importance of energy security and reducing reliance on gas in Europe
With its first 5 MW projects in development, Qpinch is positioning itself as a key enabler of industrial decarbonisation.
In this episode of Connect Into, Alex Moody speaks with Dr John Alper, Principal Technologist at VoltStorage, about the company’s pivot from vanadium to iron salt batteries, and how that shift is unlocking new possibilities for long duration energy storage.
They explore VoltStorage’s patented health management system (a self-healing mechanism that enables 25+ year performance), the challenges of scaling from residential to grid-scale systems, and how iron salt is emerging as a compelling alternative to lithium and sodium at longer durations. With field deployments underway, this episode unpacks the technical, commercial, and policy signals shaping the future of energy storage.
🔋 Why iron salt may outperform lithium for 12+ hour systems
🏗️ From garage-built stacks to the ISB Vault
📊 Where the LDES market is heading—and why the moment is now
For more information visit www.voltstorage.com
Thanks again, John!
In this episode of Connect Into by Pantokrator, host Andre Shortell speaks with Patrick Sheehan and Rob Genieser of ETF Partners to reflect on two decades of investing at the intersection of technology and climate. ETF Partners was founded in 2005 with a mission to back companies addressing environmental challenges through innovation, long before climate tech became a mainstream category.
As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, Patrick and Rob share insights into what it takes to build a purpose-driven investment firm, how they’ve maintained resilience through multiple market cycles, and what they’ve learned from supporting founders scaling real-world solutions. The conversation also explores how digital infrastructure and AI are accelerating sustainability, why values and empathy remain central to long-term partnerships, and how innovation is expanding across Europe beyond traditional geographies.
We also touch on the growing role of adaptation alongside mitigation, the next frontiers in energy and infrastructure, and the kinds of founders and technologies that excite ETF Partners as they look toward the future.
A big thank you to Patrick and Rob for joining us and sharing their perspective on building a climate venture firm that stands the test of time!
In this episode, we speak with Michael Bantle, Acting General Manager and CTO of Aneo Industry, a subsidiary of Nordic renewable powerhouse Aneo. Michael shares how a chance encounter with a fish-drying heat pump system sparked a career spanning two decades in industrial electrification. Today, his team is pioneering the deployment of high-temperature heat pumps to decarbonise industrial steam processes - tackling one of the hardest-to-abate areas of emissions.
We explore:
A must-listen for anyone working on industrial decarbonisation, infrastructure, or energy transition strategy.
Thanks again to Michael and the team at Aneo!
In this episode, we are joined by Christophe Williams, Founder and CEO of Naked Energy who shares his unique journey from the advertising industry to founding a clean tech company focused on solar heat and power. Inspired by his grandfather’s pioneering work in alternative energy, Christophe has blended creativity with innovation to tackle one of the most overlooked challenges in the energy transition: decarbonising industrial heat.
Naked Energy’s groundbreaking hybrid solar thermal collectors combine electricity and heat in a space-efficient design, offering a cost-effective alternative to gas-fired boilers. With over 130 projects completed across nine countries, the company is pioneering a new business model— Heat-as-a-Service—that reduces upfront capital costs and delivers measurable energy savings.
In this conversation, Christophe explores key topics including:
Join us for an in-depth discussion on sustainability, innovation, and the future of renewable energy as Naked Energy leads the way in transforming industrial heat.
Thanks again, Christophe!
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dolf Joekes, Managing Director of AtmosZero Europe, about their mission to decarbonize industrial steam production.
Industrial steam generation accounts for over 2 gigatons of CO₂ emissions annually, making it one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. AtmosZero is tackling this challenge with Boiler 2.0, an innovative air-to-steam heat pump that eliminates the need for gas-fired boilers, dramatically improving efficiency and reducing carbon footprints for manufacturers worldwide.
Key topics include:
Listen as Dolf shares how AtmosZero is scaling its technology, driving industrial electrification, and leading the next wave of decarbonization.
Thanks again, Dolf!
In our latest podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with David Tearse, CEO and Co-Founder of Karman Industries. David shares his journey from aerospace engineering to leading a company that is revolutionising industrial heat generation with cutting-edge heat pump technology.
Karman Industries’ modular, plug-and-play heat pumps are tackling the challenge of decarbonising industrial heat—a sector responsible for 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging advanced technology, they’re making electrification affordable and accessible for industries worldwide.
Key topics include:
• How Karman Industries is transforming industrial heat with modular, high-efficiency systems.
• The global opportunity to retrofit 700,000 industrial boilers with electrified solutions.
• How advancements in compressor technology and materials science drive cost reductions.
• Insights into scaling production to meet growing demand by 2026.
• The role of retrofitting in achieving ESG goals and reducing operational costs.
Listen to this insightful conversation as David shares the challenges, opportunities, and future vision for decarbonising industrial heat with Karman Industries’ innovative technology.
Thanks again, David!
In our latest podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Seb Leaper and Dr. Ahmed Abdelkarim, founders of Watercycle Technologies. They shared their journey from a University of Manchester spin-out to building a company that is transforming high-value resource recovery.
Watercycle Technologies' groundbreaking mineral recovery systems extract high-purity products and clean water from sub-surface brines, industrial wastewater, and end-of-life batteries. Their modular technology reduces costs, carbon emissions, and waste while delivering fresh potable water as a by-product.
Key topics include:
• How their innovative systems tackle water scarcity and wastewater challenges.
• Unique processes to recycle batteries and to recover critical minerals like lithium.
• The importance of strategic partnerships across the UK, Egypt, and beyond for scaling up operations.
• Their advocacy for improved investment frameworks to drive UK tech growth.
• A roadmap for full commercialisation by 2025 and 2026.
Listen to this insightful conversation as Seb and Ahmed share their journey, challenges, and vision for the future of sustainable technologies.
Thanks again, Seb and Ahmed!
Join us in this exciting episode with Joe Tighe, CEO of Kleandrive, as we dive into the cutting-edge world of e-mobility and retrofitting diesel buses into clean electric vehicles. Joe shares his journey from finance to leading Kleandrive, a company dedicated to reducing emissions in the commercial transportation sector. Discover how Kleandrive is tackling air pollution, with 230 million liters of diesel burned annually on London's streets and diesel buses contributing to 40-60% of urban transport emissions. Learn how Kleandrive’s innovative approach is helping fleet operators cut emissions by up to 70%, extend the life of existing buses, and reduce conversion costs to just 30% of buying new electric buses. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of sustainable transport!
Join us as we sit down with Gillian Harrison, CEO of Whitefox Technologies, a leader in membrane technology and biofuel solutions. Gillian shares her incredible journey from working in Brazil’s energy sector to building Whitefox into an industry pioneer in reducing energy and water use in biofuel production. Discover the innovations driving the ethanol industry, the global growth of sustainable fuels, and the role Whitefox plays in decarbonizing transportation and industrial processes. A must-listen for anyone interested in sustainability, energy efficiency, and the future of green technology.
To learn more about Whitefox Technologies visit their website here: https://whitefox.com/
In this episode, we speak with Martin Schichtel, CEO of Kraftblock, a pioneer in high-temperature thermal energy storage. Martin shares the fascinating story of how his experience in the ceramics industry inspired him to found Kraftblock, aiming to recover and store industrial waste heat at temperatures up to 1,300°C. We dive deep into Kraftblock's modular and scalable storage solutions, which help industries from steel to chemicals decarbonize and achieve greater energy efficiency.
Martin explains how Kraftblock’s innovative use of advanced materials allows flexibility in storing and deploying thermal energy, helping customers tackle various industrial processes. From reducing CO₂ emissions to transforming waste heat into green, reliable heat, this conversation highlights Kraftblock's crucial role in the clean energy transition.
Key Topics:
Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in energy innovation and the future of sustainable industry!
Join us as we talk with Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, or G, founder and CEO of ENSO, about revolutionising the EV tyre industry. ENSO creates tyres specially designed for electric vehicles that are more sustainable and reduce harmful tyre pollution, leading to cleaner air for everyone.
Listen to learn how ENSO tyres, designed specifically for electric vehicles, are extending EV range by up to 10%, reducing tyre pollution by 35%, and cutting energy costs by 10%. As a finalist for the Earthshot Prize and the first B-Corp in the tyre industry, ENSO is at the forefront of sustainability and innovation. Hear about their plans to disrupt a $200B market and scale globally with a new carbon-neutral factory in the US. Tune in to discover how ENSO is making electric mobility cleaner and more efficient!
To learn more, visit ensotyres.com
Tune into our discussion with key Thermal Energy Storage player and industrial powerhouse, Magaldi. We had an insightful conversation with their Global Business Director, Massimiliano Masi.
Magaldi Green Energy offers patented breakthrough technologies to enable the energy transition by storing renewable electrical energy in the form of heat to release green thermal energy on demand.
Learn about how they are modernising their 90+ year industrial heritage by using fluidised sand batteries to decarbonise, how they secured global partnerships, and what their plans are for the coming years.
Thanks again, Max!
Join us for another episode in our series on Circularity, where we dive into the world of Adaptavate's carbon-negative construction materials. Listen to hear their Founder and CEO, Tom Robinson, share his journey to founding the company, the global issue they are solving, how the market is evolving, and Adaptavate's growth plans.
Thanks again, Tom!
Listen to this insightful episode from a top US based player in the Thermal Energy Storage sector. ETS are a fast growing, high temperature technology company with a solid, low-cost solution to help decarbonise industrial heat.
Tune in to hear about their story, their technology, their growth plans, and general market insights.
Thanks again, Dan!
Join us for another insightful episode in our series on Circularity. This time we are thrilled to be joined by Keith Wiggins, CEO of Econic Technologies.
Tune in to learn about how Econic Technologies are tackling carbon issues by materialising and monetising CO2. Hear about how they've grown from a start up to having blue-chip partners, their different business models, market overview, and their growth plans.
Thanks again, Keith!
Join us for a fantastic episode with the one and only Blaine Collison, Executive Director of the Renewable Thermal Collaborative. RTC have been making waves within the industry by connecting large corporates with young companies that have the tech to help them decarbonize.
In this episode we discuss the importance of the work they do, how the market is evolving, and RTC's plans for the near future.
Thanks again, Blaine!